RJH

And so on...

November 26, 2007

Madonna Monday!

Madonna's name is a brand. It sells records and it sells merchandise. It has also been known to sell make up, pop drinks, watches and even apartments! Yes, apartments! Madonna has often linked herself to well-known products and companies by appearing in their commercials or by allowing her songs to be used in their advertisements. Many folks will say that Madonna is selling out but my opinion is WHO CARES if she is?! Madonna is striking while the iron is hot. Madonna has made a career out of pushing the barriers of what is considered right and wrong and in this fickle business, you can never guarantee that you'll be making the same amount of money in a year’s time. She has made shrewd business decisions time and time again that have helped her to be named one of the wealthiest women in the entertainment business since she launched herself in to the spotlight. However, Madonna isn't keeping all the earnings to herself. Madonna has been linked to major AIDS organizations which has raised monumental amounts of money for research. She has donated a ton to various environmental groups over the years. She has also dedicated astounding amounts of Madonna for her own charity, Raising Malawi. Her foundation helps to save hundreds of thousands of orphans in Malawi which is one of the poorest countries in Africa. (A future post will cover more about what the Raising Malawiis all about!) While the subject of money making and lucrative business decisions is some what of a less than exciting topic, Madonna'sway of making a little cold hard cash is anything but chilly. Madonna has teamed up with various directors and artists to promote products and brands and in the process has made some pretty cool ads. I have selected a few of my fave clips below. From one of Madonna's first forays in to the advertising world with her 1989 Pepsi sponsorship to the combining of forces with the retail giant H&M, Madonna has been using her name and her reputation with increased creativity to broaden her exposure and keep her name on everyone's lips.